For each car owner, the issue of choosing tires for their car is very relevant. The change of cold and warm seasons entails the change of seasonal tires. Properly selected tires are the key not only to comfortable driving, but, first of all, to the safety of the driver and his passengers. We will figure out how to choose the right tires for a car, and also find out which Bridgestone tires are recognized as the best in 2020.
Often, even experienced car owners, when buying tires, pay attention to only three main criteria: seasonality, size and type of tread pattern. But this is not always enough to ensure maximum safety for your driving. Let us consider in more detail the main and additional parameters that must be considered when choosing tires.
The main criteria for choosing tires
The main parameters for choosing rubber include: size, tread pattern and season. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Size
This parameter is considered first, because tire size is selected according to the brand of car and is offered by the manufacturer. Sizing is mandatory. In the absence of an exact size, the manufacturer offers replacement options.
The concept of tire size includes three indicators: tire width, profile and diameter of the rim. The marking is placed on the side of the tire and looks like this: 205/55 R16. 205 - tire width in mm; 55 - profile in% (ratio of tire height to its width), 16 - rim diameter in inches (landing diameter), R - radial tire design (if there is no letter, then the design is diagonal). Each of the indicated values in the size is important in itself, and it is not worth experimenting with installing tires with different (not recommended by the automaker) tire widths or profile heights. This has dire consequences. Only the installation of tires of the standard size recommended by the manufacturer of the car guarantees comfortable driving and proper dynamic qualities for your car.
Installing tires wider than recommended to give the car a sporty look will increase the weight of the car, and, accordingly, fuel consumption and the load on the chassis. In addition, wider tires increase the risk of hydroplaning, as well as braking distances on wet roads. The use of wider ones is recommended in summer, but only within manufacturer's options. A narrower tire eliminates all the above disadvantages of a wide one. However, this reduces the controllability of the car at high speed and increases the braking distance.
When trying to install rubber with a different profile height (other than recommended), there are a few things to keep in mind. Low profile tires (up to 55%) give excellent handling at high speeds and corners, but at the same time transmit all the bumps in the road, which subsequently affects the suspension, and also increases the risk of damage to the discs. High-profile (60-75%) and full-profile (more than 80%) tires smooth out imperfections in the road surface and are suitable for off-road, guarantee stable suspension performance. But here you also have to be careful. Installing tires with a profile higher than recommended worsens the car's handling in corners and makes the car "cotton".
Experiments with the landing diameter will not work, because. it must necessarily match the diameter of the disks on your car.
Tread pattern
There are symmetrical and asymmetric tread patterns. It can be non-directional and directional. Let's figure out what the difference is.
Rubber with a symmetrical non-directional pattern provides a comfortable level of handling with a measured and smooth driving style. With an increase in speed, their running properties decrease. Differ in low noise level. Tires with this type of tread pattern can be swapped from one side to the other. The most budget option.
Tires with a symmetrical directional pattern are designed for use on wet roads and are resistant to aquaplaning. On a dry road, they provide a quick response to changing traffic conditions and ensure directional stability. They listen well to the steering wheel. They cannot be moved to the other side of the machine. Noisier on dry roads. More suitable for operation on roads with good road surface. They are set in the direction of rotation, which is indicated by an arrow labeled Rotation.
The asymmetrical, non-directional tread of the tire ensures tight contact with the road surface, which has a positive effect on vehicle handling. Provide maximum performance when maneuvering and high speed. Rubber with this pattern has an outer (outer) and an inner (inner) side. Given these markings, it is installed on the disk. The outer side is more rigid with massive treads, which provides good grip and makes the machine easier to control. The inner side is softer and more elastic with a large number of grooves. This provides hydroplaning resistance and rapid water drainage. Of the minuses, it is worth noting the unsuitability of off-road use and the high cost.
Season
According to the season of use, summer, winter and all-weather tires are distinguished. The transition from summer tires to winter tires is desirable to be carried out when the average daily temperature is +7 C, because. at lower temperatures, summer tires will no longer be able to provide proper grip, which is fraught with the creation of a dangerous situation on the road. The reverse transition to summer tires should also be guided by the same average daily temperature, because. With an increase in air temperature, winter tires lose a number of their properties and cannot fully ensure the comfort and safety of driving. All-season tires are not a full-fledged alternative to summer and winter tires. They are suitable for use only in mild climates, without large temperature fluctuations and without precipitation in the form of snow.
Summer tires are made of harder rubber, which provides good grip on the road surface and protects against deformation when in contact with hot asphalt. When choosing summer tires, you should also pay attention to the tread pattern. For smooth city driving, a symmetrical non-directional pattern will do. It is unsuitable for travel on dirt roads. The asymmetric tread pattern will be more versatile for both dry and rainy summers. But buying such tires can hit your pocket.
Winter tires differ from summer tires, first of all, in rubber, and then in the tread pattern and its height. Winter tires are softer and retain their elasticity at low and negative temperatures. The choice of tread pattern on winter tires depends on the conditions of its operation. For off-road driving and snow slush, it is better to use tires with a high tread (9-10 mm), the pattern of which consists of various squares and rhombuses located at a great distance from each other. This is a Scandinavian type of tread.
For driving on a dry track in winter, tires with a small tread height (6-7 mm), a diagonal pattern and a large number of drainage channels are suitable. They have a high speed index and decent aquaplaning performance. This is the European type. Budget winter tires with a tread height of 7-8 mm have average indicators. They are designed for operation in urban areas at low speeds. These types of tires are non-studded or friction tires. In addition to them, there are studded tires. They are designed for driving on icy roads. The studs provide good grip of the wheel on snowy roads. But this type of tires is not recommended for use in urban areas, because. they are on a dry road, they do not have the necessary driving characteristics and damage the asphalt surface.
Additional criteria for choosing tires
When you have already decided on the size and tread pattern of tires for your car, it is worth paying attention to some points that most motorists forget about. Namely:
- permissible load index;
This parameter displays the maximum possible load on the tire when it is used at the speed indicated by the manufacturer in the form of markings. The index is displayed as a number after the tire dimensions. It might look like this: 175/70 R13 82H, where 82 is the load index and H is the speed index. Index 82 corresponds to a load capacity of 475 kg per wheel at a maximum speed of H - 210 km / h (the decoding of the indices is taken from special tables or from consultants). We multiply 475 by 4 (the number of wheels), we get 1900 kg - the total load capacity. It includes the weight of the car, the driver and the maximum allowable weight of the transported cargo. It is important to understand that you should not get too close to the maximum carrying capacity of the car, because this negatively affects the condition of the tires and the safety of movement. Tires marked XL have an increased load index.
- speed index;
This indicator is marked in Latin letters and is directly related to the carrying capacity of the car, as mentioned above. Conventionally, it shows what maximum speed the tire can withstand at a specified load. In tires for passenger cars, the most common are standard (T-190 km/h; H-210 km/h) and high-speed (V-240 km/h; W-270 km/h; Y-300 km/h) indices.
- noise level;
Tire noise affects only the comfort of movement, without affecting the driving characteristics. The noise level depends on the tread pattern. As mentioned above, the lowest noise level is typical for rubber with a symmetrical non-directional tread pattern.
- date of manufacture;
The date of manufacture of a tire also affects its performance. Even if the rubber is not used, it is undesirable to use it after 5-6 years of storage. The date of manufacture has the form of a four-digit number enclosed in an oval. For example, marking 4310 indicates that the tire was manufactured in week 43, 2010. It is not recommended to purchase expired tires, because. you cannot be sure of its correctness for such a long period of storage.
- appearance;
First of all, this criterion reflects the correct storage of the tire. If she initially changed from black to gray and became covered with microcracks, then this indicates her long stay on the street, which violates the correct storage conditions for tires. In addition, the tires must be of the correct round shape. Deformations resulting from improper storage often cause wheel imbalances that cannot be corrected by balancing.
Best Bridgestone tires for 2020
Bridgestone is a Japanese tire company with over 80 years of history. The use of new technologies in production makes the products of this manufacturer one of the most popular on the market.
Please note that the cost is indicated for tire models with the smallest bore diameter. This suggests that with an increase in the diameter of the discs, the cost may be higher. Consider the best, according to motorists, Bridgestone tires.
Winter tires Bridgestone
Premium friction tires with speed index S (180 km/h) for passenger cars. They are characterized by high performance, which is associated with the use of an asymmetric tread pattern. Also, excellent running characteristics are due to the use of a rubber compound with a porous structure.
The exceptional tread pattern facilitates rapid water evacuation and ensures tight traction on the road surface. The asymmetry of the pattern and the special arrangement of the lamellas and grooves make driving on an icy and snowy road stable, and braking confident.
Cost: from 3620 rubles.
Advantages:
- the car with these tires remains controllable in various road conditions (ice, snow, slush, dry road);
- low noise level;
- made in Japan;
- advantageous due to their durability.
Flaws:
- not found.
Blizzak Revo GZ (RFT)
Non-studded tires with a speed index Q (160 km / h) for SUVs and crossovers. The model is presented in sizes for 14-17-inch wheels. The tread pattern is asymmetric non-directional. When creating these tires, Run Flat technology was used, which makes it possible to drive about 80 km after a tire puncture, but at a speed of no more than 80 km / h.
Asymmetric tread provides maximum control and stability of the car on the road in all weather conditions. Innovative microporous rubber absorbs water from the contact patch, which makes the grip of the tread with the road as reliable as possible. This tire model provides more precise cornering at high speeds, as well as stability during high-speed straight-line traffic due to a special symmetrical sidewall flexure.
Cost: from 3160 rubles
Blizzak Revo GZ (RFT)
Advantages:
- run-flat technology;
- high controllability in various road conditions;
- low noise level.
Flaws:
- not found.
Ice Cruiser 7000
Studded tires with a speed index T (190 km/h) for passenger cars, jeeps, designed specifically for harsh winters. The model range of these tires is presented for 14-17-inch wheels. The tread pattern is symmetrical directional. Multi-faceted aluminum studs provide excellent traction on ice and snowy roads. The difference in the composition of the rubber in the upper and lower parts of the tread provides reliable fastening of the stud, and provides protection against falling out. Reinforced sidewalls improve tire performance in deep snow conditions.
Cost: from 3170 rubles.
Ice Cruiser 7000
Advantages:
- 16 rows of spikes;
- saves from drifts on turns;
- high maneuverability of the car in difficult road conditions.
Flaws:
- noisy.
Summer tires Bridgestone
Summer tires with a speed index from H to Y for SUVs and crossovers. The model is presented in tires for 17-20-inch wheels. The special tread design and rounded shoulder zones contribute to the effective removal of water from under the tire. In addition, the special design of the shoulder zones of the tread limits the mobility of the blocks, while maintaining the contact patch of its original shape and size. All this helps to increase the wear resistance of tires. The use of Nano Pro-Techt technology in the creation of tires increased the strength of the tread at break and stretch. Also, this technology contributes to less heating of the tires.
Cost: from 6900 rubles.
Advantages:
- there is no aquaplaning at all;
- wear-resistant;
- make the car as manageable as possible when maneuvering and driving at high speeds, even on wet roads;
- short stopping distance.
Flaws:
- noise when accelerating the car and at high speeds.
MY-02 Sporty Style
Summer tires with speed index H, V and W for cars with a sporty driving style. The model is presented in sizes for 14-18-inch drives. The symmetrical directional tread pattern makes these tires versatile and stable in all operating conditions. Lightning grooves on the tread provide rapid water evacuation and increased traction on wet roads. In addition, the maximum size of the contact patch, achieved by reducing the curvature of the profile, guarantees excellent grip on dry roads and eliminates uneven tire wear.
Cost: from 2720 rubles.
MY-02 Sporty Style
Advantages:
- excellent maneuvering, grip and braking on wet roads;
- no aquaplaning;
- affordable price for sports tires;
Flaws:
- insecure behavior in a rut;
- noise is within acceptable limits.
Summer tires with speed index W and increased load index XL for passenger cars. Possesses the increased controllability at high speeds. Presented in sizes for 14-17 and 19-inch drives. The asymmetric tread pattern with three longitudinal grooves makes the machine resistant to hydroplaning even at high speed. Stiffer shoulder zones protect the rubber from dynamic deformations when cornering and manoeuvring.
Cost: from 4070 rubles.
Advantages:
- rigid sidewalls of the tires make them resistant to impacts and hernias;
- makes driving confident both on dry and wet roads;
- after running in, the noise level is reduced.
Flaws:
- harsh and noisy.
Dueler H/P Sport
Summer tires with V-Y speed index for passenger cars and SUVs with a high-speed driving style. The model is presented in sizes for 16-20-inch drives. The tread pattern is non-directional and symmetrical. This tire is designed for use on highways at high speeds. Excellent handling in various road conditions.
Cost: from 7040 rubles.
Dueler H/P Sport
Advantages:
- wear-resistant and resistant to shock and hernia;
- confident and reliable control on dry and wet pavement;
Flaws:
- hard and booming;
- not suitable for off-road: no grip on mud and wet grass.
Summing up, it is worth noting that Bridgestone is one of the top five tire manufacturers today. Tires of this manufacturer can deservedly be considered one of the most reliable to drive in various weather conditions. In addition, they are characterized by maximum wear resistance and resistance to the formation of cones and hernias. If you're looking for safety and agility in your car, then Bridgestone tires are for you.
The tires of this company are very popular all over the world. Bridgestone has been producing tires since the distant 1931 and during this time has managed to earn huge popularity for itself. Bridgestone tires are a symbol of quality and safety in all road conditions. Bridgestone occupies 20 percent of the world's tire production, which is certainly an indicator of the demand and popularity of the company's products around the world and produces tires for both cars and trucks. Bridgestone tires guarantee safety in conditions in which tires of most other manufacturers will be simply helpless.
Bridgestone Corporation - tire supplier for Formula 1
Bridgestone tires are manufactured using a number of innovative technologies that can significantly improve the quality, performance, performance and service life of tires.
Among them:
- Flat Force Block- technology of uniform rigidity of blocks. Helps to increase exchange rate stability, improves handling parameters.
- Hydro Evacuation Surface- technology of hydroevacuation surface on the walls of the tread grooves. Improves and accelerates the removal of moisture from under the contact patch, which increases resistance to aquaplaning.
- Dual Layer Thread II- two-layer structure of a protector. This improves the tire's durability and makes it more efficient on wet roads.
- AQ Compound- adding a new element to the composition of the rubber mixture. This ensures that elasticity is maintained regardless of operating conditions, and also improves traction.
When developing the design of tires, computer modeling techniques are used. This allows you to maximize the optimization of the main components of the tire: carcass shape, tread design, rubber compound composition, structural strength.
Bridgestone 3D Modeling
Bridgestone winter tires are manufactured using Multicell Compound technology, which heats the rubber in the contact patch and, accordingly, quickly melts and removes snow masses from under it. The rubber compound is produced using the Silika technology - with the addition of an increased amount of silicon, which significantly improves its performance.
Choosing the right winter tires for your car can be a daunting task. A huge number of manufacturers offer products that differ not only in price, but also in quality. According to polls, the Japanese company can rightly be considered the leader, and the models of which we will consider below are very popular among car owners around the world.
Brand Information
The history of the Bridgestone company begins in 1930, when the founder of the company Shojiro Ishibashi created the first tire. Over time, the founder of the brand, Shojiro Ishibashi, realized that he would like to become the first rubber manufacturer in Japan. His dream came true already in 1953.
It currently has branches in 27 countries around the world and is ranked first among other rubber manufacturers. The company's products are used to complete racing cars participating in Formula 1. The company is a leader in the production of run-flat tires. The tires received reinforced sidewalls that help keep the shape of the tire even with a complete loss of pressure. This allows the driver to drive about 80 km on a flat (punctured) tire to the nearest car service.
The lineup
Tires "Bridgestone" are presented in a wide range. The manufacturer offers high-quality winter, summer and all-season tires. Each model is developed taking into account various weather conditions.
Some of the best summer Bridgestone tire models are Ecopia EP150, Turanza T001, Bridgestone B250, Regno GR-8000. They are characterized by high reliability, reduced rolling resistance and complete acoustic comfort. All-season tires for passenger cars and SUVs are available in such models as Bridgestone Dueler H/T, Dueler M/T, Dueler A/T 693.
Particularly noteworthy are winter ones, which are maximally adapted for operation in climatic conditions characteristic of some regions. Such "winter" models as Revo GZ, Ice Cruiser 7000, Blizzak VRX, Blizzak Spike-01 are considered to be among the most popular among domestic motorists.
Production of winter tires
The brand manages to maintain world leadership due to the creation of high-quality products and the introduction of innovative technologies. Winter tires are in the highest demand. Bridgestone offers both friction and studded models. Velcro for the cold season is chosen by most drivers. Such rubber showed itself well both on dry pavement and on slush and ice. It has high wear resistance. Some of the most popular wheels among consumers are the Blizzak Revo GZ, Turanza T005 RFT, Blizzak Revo DM-V1, Blizzak VRX, Ecopia EP300, Blizzak LM001 Evo and Blizzak LM-30.
Studs from the Japanese brand are ideal for use in regions with harsh winters. They give complete confidence in the safety of driving on winter roads, have excellent traction and good handling on a flat road and off-road. The following models have gained popularity in the domestic market:
- "Bridgestone" Blizzak Spike 01.
- "Bridgestone" Ice Cruiser 7000.
- "Bridgestone" Noranza 2 evo.
- "Bridgestone" Ice Cruiser 5000.
- "Bridgestone" Noranza SUV 001.
Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ
"Bridgestone Blizzak" - a winter range of tires. Among the many modifications, Blizzak Revo GZ deserves special attention. Velcro has earned a lot of positive feedback and is considered one of the best winter tires. It was first introduced in 2010 and almost immediately won the trust of car owners.
Friction rubber is designed for operation with a serious "minus". This model received excellent grip properties from the developers, thanks to which the car can safely drive on ice, slush and rolled snow.
Tread
The tire received an asymmetric tread pattern, which was specially created using computer modeling. This made it possible to transfer the entire load to certain areas of the tread surface. The asymmetric tread is great for braking and accelerating on any type of surface.
Rapid removal of water and snow porridge from the contact patch is provided by wide grooves. Three-dimensional sipes and advanced shoulder blocks are responsible for safe control. The sidewall curves received unusual asymmetric contours from the developers. This solution made it possible to reduce vibrations and body sway during cornering, as well as maintain directional stability.
Expert reviews of Bridgestone winter tires indicate that the outer part of the tread helps protect the rubber from deformation due to densely spaced blocks and the presence of checkers with peculiar jumpers. The "toothy" inner tread pattern is responsible for the car's handling on winter roads. Tread wear can be monitored using special indicators.
Rubber compound
The softness of rubber, even at very low temperatures, can be maintained through the use of special Multicell Compound technology. Its essence lies in the fact that the rubber inside has many micropores, which are designed to absorb a water film as quickly as possible, which impairs adhesion to the roadway. Moreover, the number of these micropores does not decrease during operation. When the tread wears out, new cavities appear, which allow you to maintain the technical characteristics of the tires throughout the entire service life.
Reviews and cost
A huge number of motorists prefer to “shoe” their vehicle in rubber from the Japanese tire giant Bridgestone. "Winter" in the Blizzak Revo GZ model proved to be excellent not only during the tests, but also during operation on domestic roads. The presence of high technical characteristics declared by the manufacturer is confirmed by both experts and drivers. Rubber quickly responds to steering commands, moves clearly and confidently on snow, slush, ice and dry asphalt.
You can buy Bridgestone tires in this model in almost any specialized store. The cost of tires starts from 2400 rubles (R13).
Bridgestone Blizzak VRX
Another representative of high-quality winter tires from Bridgestone is the Blizzak VRX. The model belongs to friction and looks very similar to the Blizzak Revo GZ discussed above. By inheritance, the rubber inherited an asymmetric type of tread pattern and a unique compound technology.
The central part of the tread was subjected to refinement - the shape of the blocks and the density of their arrangement changed. The blocks are shorter and more rigid. This has a positive effect on the behavior of rubber on dry and wet road surfaces. Multidirectional edges and sipes allowed to shorten the braking distance and improve the dynamics of acceleration.
Test results
Numerous tests have proven the excellent performance of this tire model. In winter, when the weather conditions are almost aggressive, drivers may not worry about passing even the most difficult sections of the road. Velcro "Close VRX" will provide good grip on snowy and icy asphalt, will allow you to get out of any snowdrift without slipping.
Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 Overview
From "Bridgestone" - with a directional symmetrical tread pattern. Among experts and car owners, it is considered one of the best in its category and rightfully takes prizes in tests. What is the peculiarity of this model? First of all, it is suitable for operation in the most difficult weather conditions.
"Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000" has components in the rubber compound that increase its grip, repel moisture and reduce rolling resistance. The manufacturer notes that this result was achieved through the use of natural rubber, silica, absorbent gel and other substances. This model is specially made for operation on domestic winter roads.
In turn, the mass production of tires is carried out in several stages:
- Production of a rubber compound. Bridgestone uses natural rubber to produce its rubber. This allows you to reduce the cost of products in the future. In addition to rubber, rubber contains industrial carbon black, resins, oils, and vulcanization activators.
- Production of tire components. At this stage, the parallel production of bead rings, metal and textile cords, tread, sidewalls and pressure layer is carried out.
- Assembly. All tire components are connected in stages, and the resulting “raw” product is prepared for the next stage of work.
- Curing. In order to give the tire a familiar look, it is filled with air, after which it is processed in special furnaces at a temperature in the range from 170 to 205 degrees and under high pressure.
- Quality control. All Bridgestone tires undergo a mandatory visual analysis, testing on special stands and an assessment of the composition of the rubber compound. At this stage, all possible marriage is eliminated, which is then disposed of. All products that comply with the standards go on sale.
Assortment of Bridgestone tires in the online store site
Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone has a true Oriental approach to business:
- holistic;
- well thought out;
- involving observation and analysis;
- with a characteristic striving for new horizons and perfection.
By developing for many decades activities based on these principles, focusing not on being ahead of competitors, but on self-development, the company was able to:
- it is profitable to buy out a well-known American company specializing in the manufacture of similar products;
- occupy a high position in the tire market.
You can trace examples of following them by looking at the steps of the concern's formation and the assertion on the world stage of Bridgestone universal tires. You can now buy these tires in a number of Asian countries, European countries, North and South America, Africa, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
Little known facts about the company
The integrity and complexity of the control of the production process in the manufacture of Bridgestone tires, the prices of which are quite justified for the products of their class, are the main aspects of the company's work. They are achieved due to the fact that the corporation:
- owns its own rubber plantations, which provide it with high-quality raw material;
- independently tests all its own developments.
The principles of constant monitoring of the results of our own work and focus on perfection are implemented in the implementation of innovations (which the concern reports regularly). So, the company owns the technology for evaluating rubber in motion, which allowed it to:
- objectively track the change in the shape of Bridgestone tires of winter and summer modifications when driving in different conditions;
- modernize their existing types.
In addition, the trust that the corporation has won in Japanese society has become the basis for the trust in its products in the world. The statistics of demand in popular online stores for tires supplied by Bridgestone helps to verify this.
The past and present of branded tires
Due to the optimal, well-thought-out qualities, Bridgestone tires of summer models "left a mark" in the history of racing. They were chosen by Japanese Formula 1 participants in 1976-77, and from 1997 to 2010 the company was the official tire supplier for this championship.
Our representative office of the corporation appeared in 1995. Since that time, Russian owners of sports cars, cars, minibuses have been able to appreciate in these tires:
- unsurpassed maneuverability;
- excellent handling in all driving modes;
- thoughtful configuration (developed individually for all car models);
- increased wear resistance.
Today, every modern track conqueror can buy Bridgestone tires in Moscow and other cities of our federation. And regardless of whether you choose Bridgestone winter studded and summer tires or give preference to all-season branded tires, they will meet your expectations in any conditions.
Tires of the Japanese corporation Bridgestone are a guarantor of high safety on the road. The KOLESO company, the official dealer of Bridgestone in Russia, provides the sale of winter and summer tires at manufacturer's prices.
